This could be a possible test for Alzheimer's disease, not yet confirmed.

This possible test for Alzheimer's disease is based on dilation (opening) of the pupil of the eye. In routine ophthalmologic exams using standard chemicals to dilate the pupil, the pupils of people with Alzheimer's disease seem to dilate unusually quickly. In one study, one chemical (tropicamide) had no effect on the pupils of 30 out of 32 people who were free of Alzheimer's, but it dilated the pupils of 18 out of 19 people with the disease. The effect was equally clear in people with mild and severe Alzheimer's disease.

However, results could not be confirmed when Mayo Clinic researchers attempted to duplicate this study.

Back to Alzheimer's News